NBPTS Exceptional Needs Specialist Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Resource

The correct choice pertains to speech or language impairment, which encompasses a range of communication disorders, including stuttering and difficulties with articulation.

Stuttering is characterized by disruptions in the flow of speech, which may include repetitions of sounds, syllables, or words, as well as prolonged sounds. Impaired articulation refers to challenges in pronouncing sounds correctly or fluently, affecting the clarity of spoken language. Both stuttering and articulation issues are specifically categorized under speech or language disorders, indicating that these are prevalent features of this condition.

In contrast, the other categories mentioned do not specifically encompass stuttering or articulation issues. Intellectual disability generally refers to limitations in cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior, rather than specific speech challenges. Other health impairments can include a wide variety of medical conditions that affect educational performance, but do not directly involve speech or language disorders. Orthopedic impairment relates to physical issues that impact mobility or motor skills, and again does not specifically include communication disorders. Therefore, understanding that stuttering and impaired articulation are specifically tied to speech or language impairment elucidates why this choice is the most appropriate.